Gannan

Gannan has a marked difference between day and night temperatures, so you should bring warm clothing even when traveling in summer.

Known as “Little Tibet,” Gannan combines snow-capped mountains, grasslands, wetlands and Tibetan Buddhist culture to create a distinctive travel experience. The area has an average elevation of about 3,000 meters and is generally easier to acclimatize to than Tibet, making it suitable for a summer getaway combined with cultural experiences.

Classic 7-day, 6-night clockwise loop

Traveling around Gannan in a clockwise direction involves relatively gradual changes in elevation, making it easier for your body to acclimatize and helping you avoid congestion on some sections of the route.

• Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou

Head to your hotel to rest after arrival and give your body time to adjust to the elevation. In the evening, visit Zhongshan Bridge to watch the sunset over the Yellow River, then continue to Zhengning Road Night Market to try milk-and-egg fermented rice drink and hand-pulled lamb.

• Day 2: Lanzhou → Meiren Grassland → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Hezuo

Along the way, pass grasslands with frost-heaved hill formations and admire a tunnel decorated with colorful prayer flags. In the afternoon, visit the nine-story pavilion to learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture, then stay overnight in Hezuo.

• Day 3: Hezuo → Locke Road → Zhagana

Drive along the spectacular Locke Road and arrive in Zhagana in the afternoon. For accommodation, consider Yeri Village or Dari Village inside the scenic area first, then head to a viewing platform before sunset to see the stone village in the evening light.

• Day 4: Zhagana at Dawn → Flower Lake → First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River → Tangke

Watch the morning mist in Zhagana, then continue to Ruoergai Flower Lake. Arrive at the First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River in the evening and take the escalator to a higher viewpoint to watch the sunset over the river.

• Day 5: Tangke → Lianbaoyeze → Aba County/Jiuzhi County

Head to Lianbaoyeze to explore its sacred mountains and lakes, and see its knife-cut rock formations and deep blue waters. The elevation here is relatively high, so slow down when walking and taking part in activities.

• Day 6: Aba County → Niangma Temple → Langmusi → Luqu

First visit Niangma Temple, home to the world's largest prayer wheel. In the afternoon, arrive in Langmusi Town and hike through Namo Grand Canyon for the unique experience of visiting a landscape that spans two provinces.

• Day 7: Luqu → Sangke Grassland → Labrang Monastery → Lanzhou

Take in the scenery of Sangke Grassland from the road, then continue to Labrang Monastery to learn about the local religious culture. Return to Lanzhou in the afternoon to end your Gannan loop.

Recommended accommodation and food

• Accommodation suggestions:
  • Xiahe County/Hezuo: Hotels in the county towns generally have better facilities and more options, making them suitable for resting on the first and final nights.

• Zhagana: You can stay in a Tibetan-style guesthouse in Yeri Village or Dari Village, where opening the window gives you a view of the mountains. Room rates are higher during peak season, so book in advance.

• Langmusi Town: The town has many guesthouses. Some high-altitude guesthouses provide oxygen concentrators and heated floors, making them suitable for travelers who prioritize sleeping conditions and warmth.

• Food recommendations:
  • Yak meat hot pot: A common local specialty in Gannan, featuring tender beef and a rich broth that is especially suitable for eating in a high-altitude environment.

• Hand-pulled lamb: A representative local dish. The lamb has a clean, light flavor without being greasy, and tastes even better with salt and pepper or mashed garlic.

• Butter tea and tsampa: A good way to learn about traditional Tibetan food. According to the original guide, butter tea may help relieve altitude sickness, but it has a distinctive flavor, so first-time drinkers should try a small amount.

Travel tips

• Preventing altitude sickness: Gannan has an average elevation of about 3,000 meters. On your first day after arrival, avoid washing your hair, taking a shower, strenuous exercise and alcohol. You can prepare oral glucose solution and oxygen canisters in advance. It is recommended to buy them in Lanzhou before setting out, as they are more expensive in the scenic areas.
• Weather and clothing: Weather on the plateau can change quickly, and a single day may bring noticeable shifts between seasons. The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is also significant. Whenever you visit, bring a three-in-one waterproof jacket or a light down jacket, as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and lip balm.
• Driving conditions: Most roads in Gannan are paved, but some sections, including Locke Road, may have loose gravel or narrow lanes. If you have limited driving experience, consider hiring a car with a driver or a local driver. Do not take a sedan onto unpaved roads without checking the conditions.
• Etiquette in Tibetan areas: Remove your hat and sunglasses when entering a monastery; photography is prohibited inside the halls. Walk clockwise when using prayer wheels or circumambulating a monastery. Do not photograph monks or local people without permission, and respect local customs.
• Accommodation bookings: July and August are peak travel season in Gannan. Guesthouse prices in Zhagana and Langmusi may double, and rooms can sell out easily, so book two weeks to one month in advance.